The Glossop community is rallying around Oakwood regular Carl Marshal to get him back to his beloved family home this Christmas.

The pub was filled with people attending a fundraising event on Monday night to offer their support, services and even volunteer their time to Carl’s cause.

The huge response came after The Oakwood team launched a JustGiving appeal with the aim of raising £7,000 to help him get through the winter months in his own home.

Within 24 hours it had raised £2,500, with £1,000 generously donated from an anonymous source.

The pub has always been a welcoming place for Carl, as he comes in most days for a chat, a glass of red wine and to browse the paper.

But after the team took him out to celebrate his 89th birthday last month, they learned the full extent of his living conditions at home and wanted to do something to help.

Robbie Nash, 24, who is a member of bar staff at The Oakwood and a freelance filmmaker – currently working on a community film about Carl’s journey – said that he’s a fascinating man with an incredibly rich past.

Robbie said: “Carl has lived a life full of adventure, hardships and continuous learning and has worked reasonably solitary jobs throughout his career, including: being a lighthouse keeper for a couple of years, a country park ranger for 23 years and serving in the Coldstream guards to name a few.

“Carl’s family moved into the house he currently lives in, in October 1940.

“As he has never been married or had children, he values his books, collectibles and house more than anything – his goal is to remain in his family home.

“Social services have done lots for Carl over the years, including; fitting a new boiler, carpets, fridge freezer and a washing machine – however, there is still a lot that needs to be done. “

Carl recently fell ill due to his living conditions and was dangerously close to pneumonia.

He was placed in a self-contained flat at Whitfield House to be monitored after being discharged from hospital, and is due to move back home soon.

But the team are worried that if Carl has to contend with a house that is damp, without central heating and in a general state of repair, he might not make it through the colder weeks ahead.

Robbie added: “Carl is a very proud man so was reluctant to accept help to begin with, but after revisiting his house after living in a warm, clean flat for a few weeks – he realised he could use a helping hand.”

The fundraiser on Monday not only saw financial donations, but offers of help from local plasterers, plumbers, electricians, builders and volunteers willing to clean, cook and clear.

Carl, who attended the event, wanted to say thank-you to the community that has stepped up to support him – even reading out a self-penned poem about friendship to the group.

He added: “It’s something out of the blue, which I honestly didn’t ask for, and all these wonderful people have come forward to help my house.

It’s marvellous and I’m just taken aback. I’ve met nothing but friends here, and I’m very lucky – I know that.”

At time of writing, the grand total stands at more than £4,200, due to more donations taken over the bar on Monday that have yet to be counted.